Ophthalmologist, Evangelist, Administrator
Dinma Denni-Fiberesima was a professional ophthalmologist who restored sight to many in the Niger Delta and beyond. He was best known for his godliness, fearlessness, and humanitarian services.
Who Was Dinma Denni-Fiberesima?
Dinma Denni-Fiberesima, an Okrika-born ophthalmologist and humanitarian, left a significant legacy in the Niger Delta. He founded the renowned Odadike Eye Hospital in Port Harcourt, which also facilitated the training of medical personnel up to diploma level. As the Commissioner for Health, he introduced groundbreaking innovations to the health sector of old Rivers State, many of which were the first of their kind in Nigeria. He lived a life free of corruption and was a devout Christian. Dr. Dinma Denni-Fiberesima passed away from a cancer-related illness in 1995 at the age of 46.
His Parents and Birth
Dinma Denni-Fiberesima was born to Hon. Dennis Dic-Fiberesima and Mrs. Isabella Kaine Fiberesima on September 7, 1949, in Okirika, then part of Eastern Nigeria (now Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State). His parents were well-off, and his intelligence and humble nature endeared him to people within and outside the family. He was their first child, followed by several siblings.
Education
He began his primary education at Okirika Boys School, Okrika, and later attended Municipal Council (Township) School on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to Okirika Grammar School, where he obtained his West Africa Secondary Certificate (WASC). He completed his post-secondary education at the Federal School of Science, Lagos, from 1968 to 1969, before gaining admission to the University of Ibadan in 1970 to study medicine, graduating in 1975.
At the University of Ibadan, he left an undeniable impact. In 1973, he was elected President of the University of Ibadan Medical Students Association. A former provost of the medical college described him as a student leader genuinely concerned about the welfare of his peers. Dinma also pioneered the “EXPO UI,” an annual Christian evangelical youth festival. He later specialized in ophthalmology, earning a diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, and a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow.
Medical Career
Dinma Denni-Fiberesima completed his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1976 and began his medical career at the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) Eye Hospital. At that time, there were no eye clinics in Rivers State offering specialized treatments, which was a source of concern for him.
In December 1981, he founded the Odadike Eye Hospital at 7 Aba Road, Port Harcourt, which became a principal referral center in ophthalmology. In 1994, the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, accredited Odadike Eye Hospital as a training center for doctors pursuing a diploma in ophthalmology. The clinic offered free eye services and organized eye camps in towns and villages across Rivers, Enugu, and Imo states, where patients received free eye exams, medication, and surgeries. Dinma was deeply concerned about the high incidence of preventable blindness, particularly from cataracts and glaucoma, and worked tirelessly to combat these issues.
From 1990 to 1991, he served as a visiting scholar at the College of Medicine, University of Port Harcourt.
Commissioner for Health
In 1987, Dinma Denni-Fiberesima was appointed Commissioner for Health in the Executive Council of Group Captain Ernest Olawunmi Adelaye’s Military Administration of Rivers State, serving from July 1988 to August 1990. His tenure is widely regarded as one of the most impactful in the state’s history. He introduced the Flying Doctors Service Scheme, a first-of-its-kind initiative that brought healthcare to isolated rural communities. He also implemented the Hospital League of Friends, satellite clinics in markets, and other schemes to improve healthcare delivery in the state.
Dinma’s tireless work ethic and dedication to the public good were evident during his tenure, as he never accepted a salary, instead donating his earnings to charity. However, in 1990, he resigned due to disagreements with the government over the procurement and management of the Flying Doctors Scheme, which he felt did not serve the public’s best interests. Despite losing his job, he remained true to his convictions.
Resignation and Advocacy
Dinma Denni-Fiberesima resigned from the Executive Council over a principled disagreement with the military governor of Rivers State. He opposed the exorbitant costs and deals associated with the Flying Doctors Scheme, calling it a “budget monster” that did not serve the people. His pro-people stance led to his resignation, but he retained the respect and admiration of many for his courage and integrity.
Ijaw National Congress
After resigning, Dinma was elected Vice President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) from 1993 to 1994. His leadership and advocacy for the rights of the minority Ijaw people were steadfast, and he played a prominent role in addressing the environmental destruction of the Niger Delta.
Professional Memberships
Dinma Denni-Fiberesima was actively involved in several professional and humanitarian organizations, including:
- National Vice President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria
- Secretary of the Association of Private and General Medical and Dental Practitioners of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter
- Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Chapter
- Founder of the Institute for Christian Discipleship
- Member of Scripture Union
- Patron of the Disabled People Association and the Gethsemane Squad
Faith
Dinma was born into the Anglican faith and became a devout Christian in 1968 through the ministry of Scripture Union while attending the Federal School of Science, Lagos. He founded the Odadike Foundation, whose motto, “The blind receive their sight, and the poor have the good news preached to them,” reflected his mission to provide free eye care while spreading the gospel.
Family
Dinma was a devoted family man. He was married to Mrs. Adeline Millabe Denni-Fiberesima (née Dokubo), and together they had three children. Their marriage, admired by many, was a testament to their Christian faith and dedication to each other. They were actively involved in marriage counseling and often ministered together, helping others strengthen their relationships.
His Death
Dr. Dinma Denni-Fiberesima succumbed to liver cancer on July 5, 1995, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. His death was met with widespread grief, as he had touched many lives through his work as a doctor, Christian leader, and advocate for justice. He was 46 years old.
Lessons from Dinma Denni-Fiberesima’s Life
Dinma Denni-Fiberesima lived life to the fullest, using every opportunity to serve his Lord Jesus Christ and improve the lives of those around him. His legacy of integrity, service, and compassion remains an inspiration to many.
